Washington DC

It’s no surprise: The Fourth of July this year is going to be different. While heading to a party would seriously risk your health, there are still ways to get festive: Backyard grilling; red, white and blue outfits, desserts and decorations; and — in some areas — fireworks. Maintaining a social distance is key if you’re going out for fireworks….

On July Fourth, Washington, D.C., will be treated to the largest fireworks display in recent memory and military flyovers, but everyone should maintain their social distance and wear a mask while celebrating, the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior say. The Park Service and Department of the Interior released details Wednesday on how to enjoy Independence...

Here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to wearing a mask, explained by some of history’s most famous paintings.

The Trump administration released its plans for celebrating America’s birthday. It not only includes a huge fireworks display but also a military flyover. News4’s Mark Segraves has reaction from D.C.’s mayor, who is still urging people to stay home.

Federal authorities have charged four men in connection with a failed effort last week to pull down the statue of President Andrew Jackson near the White House.

As coronavirus cases rise across the country, the mayor of D.C. is urging the city’s residents to stay vigilant and take precautions. She is recommending people stay home and avoid large crowds for the Fourth of July. News4’s Mark Segraves reports.

Dozens of vendors who sell fireworks in D.C. every summer around the Fourth of July have filed suit against the city after they were denied permits this year. The 27 retailers operate pop-up fireworks stands that are regulated and inspected each year. D.C. cited coronavirus concerns and the ongoing demonstrations for racial justice as reason for denying the permits....

Dozens of fireworks vendors in D.C. who were denied permits are suing the city days before the Fourth of July, claiming it is unfair that Costco is allowed to sell. News4’s Jackie Bensen reports.

D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton says she plans to introduce a bill to remove the statue of President Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Park. “The statue of slave owner Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Park, a former slave market, adds insult to injury,” Norton tweeted Wednesday night. “It’s well past time we move on from this painful chapter in our nation’s...

Protesters continued to line the streets Wednesday with the National Guard at the ready if they tried to take statue removal into their own hands. News4’s Shomari Stone reports.

Black farmers and food makers have long been under-represented at D.C. farmer’s markets. Only a fraction of vendors at the Dupont Circle market are Black. News4’s Jackie Bensen spoke to a local couple who are now pushing for changes to the system.

News4’s Cory Smith reports protesters stood nose-to-nose with officers on Black Lives Matter Plaza Tuesday.

D.C.’s Black Lives Matter mural made headlines around the nation. Now, the same artists are painting 51 more murals around the city in a push for statehood. News4’s Aimee Cho reports.

Nightclubs have gone empty and silent for months, but three venues are hoping to change that. News4’s Mark Segraves speaks to nightclub owners about what comes next.

Protesters tried to tear down a statue of Andrew Jackson in a park near the White House Monday night but were met with officers in riot gear who used pepper spray against them.  Demonstrators were able to scale the bronze statue in Lafayette Square and wrap ropes around it, chanting “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Andrew Jackson’s got to go.” ...

There were intense moments near the White House Monday as protesters tried to take down a statue of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square. News4’s Shomari Stone reports.

A Capitol Hill custodian says an officer arrested him at gunpoint while he arrived for work. News4’s Jackie Bensen spoke with Ryan Davis and his mother about what happened.

Mary Blackford is taking on grocery and retail shortages in D.C.’s Ward 7. She is in the running to win a $100,000 grant and national recognition to help make her dream come true. You can vote here for the Build Your Legacy contest: https://www.essence.com/your-legacy3/

D.C. police say a 16-year-old boy is responsible for the murders of four people over the last two months. News4’s Pat Collins reports.

As D.C. enters phase two, there are questions about a recent spike in coronavirus cases and how the city will approach the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. News4’s Mark Segraves reports.